Motorshow: 2009 NAIAS Motorshow

Some of the cars that debuted at the flagship North American International Auto Show were the all-new Lexus HS 250h and RX, Honda Insight, Mercedes E-Class and Chrysler 200C EV etc.

Via AutoBild

Related links:

2008 Bologna Motorshow

Motorshow: 2008 Paris Mondial de l’Automobile

Motorshow: 2008 British International Motorshow

Press Photo: 2008 British Motorshow

New Car: 2009 Peugeot 3008 + Photo Gallery

These are the first official pictures of the new Peugeot 3008 crossover. The new Peugeot 3008, first seen as a concept at last September's Paris show and snapped in production form is aimed squarely the Nissan Qashqai.

The Peugeot 3008 is based on the same front wheel drive platform that underpins the Peugeot 308 and Citroen C4 which makes it longer than the 308 at 4,365 but shorter than the 308 SW. The 3008 will offer a range of 1.6 litre and 2.0 litre, 4 cylinder turbo-diesels, and two 1.6 litre petrol engines: a naturally aspirated 120bhp VTi and the turbocharged 150bhp THP150.

Depending on the engine, 3008 customers get the choice of a 5 or 6 speed manual, a 6 speed automatic and Peugeot-Citroen's 6 speed automated manual gearbox. At the top of the range there is a new 163bhp version of Peugeot's 2.0 litre HDi engine.

The 3008 is also significant as it will become Peugeot's first production hybrid model. The technology, labelled Hybrid 4 by Peugeot, allows a four wheel drive option for the 3008 as the hybrid's electric motor drives the rear wheels.

The 3008 hybrid is due to go on sale in 2011, but Peugeot has yet to confirm whether it will be a petrol electric model or the world's first production diesel hybrid. A 7 seater will also appear next year.

There is even the possibility of both. "The extra cost of developing a hybrid powertrain to run with both fuels is relatively small," said Peugeot spokesman Kevin Jones, "particularly as the 3008 is not a bespoke hybrid model in the mould of the Toyota Prius."

Peugeot's director general, Jean-Phillipe Collin, reinforced this strategic direction, saying, "We have the capability to offer both petrol and diesel hybrids."

Manufacturing for the 3008 is at Peugeot's Sochaux plant in Eastern France with the regular Peugeot 3008 due on sale at the end of 2009.

Press Release:

PEUGEOT'S Crossover Vehicle:

The Peugeot 3008 is a compact and spacious crossover. It represents a new and innovative offer, not only in the Peugeot range but also in today's car market as a whole.

Manufactured in Eastern France at the Sochaux manufacturing plant, its concept and specification has draw on all of Peugeot's expertise and values.

The 3008 is positioned at the crossroads between several existing vehicles: the SUV, the MPV and hatchback. The car derives its strengths from this blend of motoring concepts while at the same adopting a number of new and original technologies (Dynamic Roll Control, Grip Control, etc) enabling it to combine specifications often deemed incompatible (driving pleasure inside a "tall" vehicle, improved traction while at the same time being eco-friendly, etc).

Through its non-conformist approach and its resolute styling, the 3008, designed as a pioneering vehicle, offers an original solution and optimal versatility to customers in search of modernity, practicality and driving pleasure.

Protective, versatile and status-enhancing, the Peugeot 3008, a crossover in all respects, opens up new motoring horizons.

Mercedes E-Class pricing announced (DE)

Mercedes has announced German pricing of their all-new Mercedes E-Class sedan. According to Mercedes, new E-Class sedan prices starts at €41,590.50 for the E220 CDI and climbs to €70,269.50 for the E500 4Matic. Prices include VAT.

E220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY (6-speed manual) - €41,590.50

E250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY (6-speed manual) - €44,506.00

E350 BlueTEC (7-speed auto) - €53,371.50

E350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY (7-speed auto) - €50,991.50

E350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY (7-speed auto) - €53,728.50

E250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY (5-speed auto) - €44,506.00

E350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY (7-speed auto) - €51,943.50

E350 4MATIC (7-speed auto) - €53,728.50

E500 (7-speed auto) - €67,532.50

E500 4MATIC (7-speed auto) - €70,269.50

Press Release:

Prices for the New Mercedes-Benz E-Class: E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY available from €41,590.50

Stuttgart - The new E-Class, which will be launched by Mercedes-Benz in the spring of 2009, will cost between €41,590.50 and €70,269.50 ex-works. Prices for the new E-Class will therefore remain at the same level as those for the predecessor model, despite more extensive equipment features, new engines, and improved technology. The model program for the new E-Class at market launch will consist of ten saloons equipped with four, six, or eight-cylinder engines that consume up to 23 percent less fuel than before. Two additional four-cylinder engine models with new petrol and diesel injection systems will be introduced in the fall of 2009. Three of the new E-Class saloons will also be available with an improved 4MATIC all-wheel drive system that exhibits even more fuel economy compared to the predecessor model.

Mercedes-Benz has supplemented the already extensive standard equipment in the E-Class with features that further improve safety and comfort in the new model series. Such features include a fatigue recognition system, adaptive shock absorbers, a driver kneebag, an active engine hood, daytime running lights, a Bluetooth cell phone interface, and a large colour display on the instrument panel. The V6 and V8 models also boast as standard equipment a direct steering system and a seven-speed automatic transmission with a steering wheel selector lever. The E 500 eight-cylinder saloon is additionally equipped with pneumatic suspension and an electronically controlled damping system.

The ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE design and equipment lines offer further possibilities for special design and equipment features in the new E-Class. The ex-works surcharges for the lines are €1,921.85 for the ELEGANCE and €3,361.75 for the AVANTGARDE - and thus remain unchanged from the predecessor model, despite a broader range of equipment features. The ELEGANCE line stands out, for example, through ambience interior lighting, newly developed seats in vertical fluting design, burr-walnut wood trim, and 16-inch light alloy wheels in ten-twin spoke design.

In the AVANTGARDE line, Mercedes-Benz emphasises the modern and innovative character of the new E-Class with a distinct front-end design, sporty suspension tuning with lower body positioning, bi-xenon headlights with five different lighting functions, LED daytime driving lamps, LED taillights, 17-inch light alloy wheels in five-twin spoke design, 245/45 R 17 wide base tyres, and ambience interior lighting.

Mercedes-Benz also offers an AMG Sports Package and an Exclusive Package for more demanding customers. These contain valuable equipment features that are mostly not available individually. The AMG Sports package, for example, includes AMG-design bumpers and side skirts, sports seats with outstanding side support, three-spoke steering wheel, and 18-inch AMG light alloy wheels. Depending on the model variant in question, the AMG Sports Package costs between €2,915 and €4,046 ex-works. The Exclusive package (€4,284 ex-works) enhances the new E-Class through the inclusion of a wood-leather steering wheel, an Alcantara roof lining and pillar trim, nappa leather seat upholstery, and a high-quality upholstered instrument panel.

Equipment features include the latest comfort and safety systems:

No other automobile offers such extensive and cleverly aligned interaction between state-of-the-art driver assistance systems. In order to help drivers benefit to the greatest extent possible from these technologies, Mercedes-Benz offers optional packages containing specific sets of innovations. This ensures that the systems in question operate perfectly together and ideally complement one another. The Lane package (€892.50 ex-works), for example, includes the Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist. The first of these two innovations supports drivers when they veer out of the lane they’re travelling in, while the second assists them when they intentionally change lanes.

The Driver Assistance package (€2,558.50 ex-works) brings together systems from Mercedes-Benz that actively help prevent rear-end collisions: the DISTRONIC PLUS radar-based proximity cruise control system, Brake Assist PLUS, and the automatic PRE-SAFE® braking system. This package also includes the lane assistant and blind-spot assistant.

Mercedes-Benz has also put together the Light package for customers who do a lot of driving at night. This package consists of bi-xenon headlights, the Intelligent Light System, LED daytime driving lamps, and the new adaptive Highbeam Assist. Depending on the model and equipment features in question, the Light package costs between €238 and €1,689.80 ex-works.

Customers who care a lot about comfort can purchase an Active Multicontour Seat package for their new E-Class. Costing €1,487.50 ex-works, this package features newly developed multicontour seats with a massage and driving dynamics function, as well as special comfort headrests. The Rear Comfort package (€3,718.75 ex-works) includes leather upholstered and heated individual rear seats, integrated sun shades in the rear doors, and an electric shade on the inside of the back window.

Overview of prices for the new E-Class (standard equipment):

E220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY
6-speed manual transmission
€41,590.50

E250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY
6-speed manual transmission
€44,506.00

E350 BlueTEC
7-speed automatic
€53,371.50

E350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY
7-speed automatic
€50,991.50

E350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY
7-speed automatic
€53,728.50

E250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY
5-speed automatic
€44,506.00

E350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY
7-speed automatic
€51,943.50

E350 4MATIC
7-speed automatic
€53,728.50

E500
7-speed automatic
€67,532.50

E500 4MATIC
7-speed automatic
€70,269.50

All prices are ex-works and include sales tax of 19%

Extensive customer communication to accompany the E-Class market launch

Mercedes customers will be provided with a broad range of information material on the new E-Class during the run-up to the model’s market launch. For example, the brand has put together an Internet Special that will enable an interactive look at the new model, which, among other things, will be presented in detail in various film episodes. The Internet Special will focus here on a movie showing a trip taken in the new E-Class by former Formula 1 driver Jean Alesi and four-time Grammy winner and American jazz singer Dianne Reeves. In the film, Alesi drives the new E-Class over a route rich in curves, while the back of the saloon is transformed into a concert venue in which Dianne Reeves sings the classic tune “Better Than Anything.” This “Concert in E” is made possible by the fact that the E-Class offers the highest levels of safety and comfort even in extraordinary driving situations, thereby lending its occupants a unique feeling of protection and security - in accordance with the claim of the campaign “Welcome Home.” Alesi and Reeves exit the new Mercedes saloon at the end of the trip looking as relaxed - and as fascinated - as can be. The Internet Special is already online at http://www.concert-in-e.com/.

In Germany, those who visit the special can also order the free history book “Zeitreise”, which presents the history of the E-Class model series and includes powerful and emotional photos. The history of the model will also be the subject of a special exhibition at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart that will begin in February 2009. An exhibition room at the museum, especially renovated for the event, will feature not only the history but also the actual new E-Class model. Smaller exhibits and personal stories complete this special exhibition. At www.mercedes-benz.tv the Internet television station of Stuttgart-based car manufacturer also broadcasts detailed information on the new car in its Drive magazine.

Information on the new E-Class can also be obtained via mobile devices at www.e-class.mobi. The site’s mobile configurator enables users to put together their own personal E-Class dream car, and mobile visitors to the site will also find an extensive entertainment programme that includes exclusive downloads. What’s more, beginning in late February, users in Germany who visit the site will be able to call up a “Wine-and-Dine Guide” recommending exclusive hotels and restaurants.

7 seat Peugeot 3008 spied

Updated: 19/01/09

The 2010 Peugeot 3008 is about to get longer. Spies have caught what appears to be a mule that uses the 2010 3008 face undergoing cold-weather testing in Northern Sweden and road-testing in France.

The newcomer is based upon an extended platform of the 308 hatchback and will use the same engines as the 308, some of which are shared with BMW and Citroen. Mechanically, like the 3008, the 7 seat model will also be offered in 2WD and 4WD configurations. Although these are the first pictures of a prototype, mules were testing back as far as 2007!

Both regular and LWB variants will compete with the slate of compact SUVs on the market right now such as the Ford Kuga, VW Tiguan and the Nissan Qashqai/Qashqai+2 and MPV's like the Citroen C4 Picasso, Ford C-Max, Kia Carens, Volkswagen Touran, Dodge Journey, Vauxhall/Opel Zafira, Renault Scenic and the forthcoming Chevrolet Orlando.

The 3008 will make its world debut at the Geneva motorshow in March with LWB version should be introduced soon after.

Prices are likely to start from £12,000 for the entry-level 3008.

Via GlobalMotors.net > Peugeot 3008 LWB mule spied

New Car: 2010 Jaguar XK & XK-R facelift

Jaguar also pulled the covers off the 2010 XK and XK-R facelift coupe and convertibles that receive all-new V8 engines. With a displacement of 5.0 litres, the all-new AJ-V8 Gen III direct-injection engines deliver more power and performance with greater efficiency than the 4.2 litre V8 predecessor. In the XK-R, the supercharged 5.0 litre V8 produces 510bhp and 625 Nm of torque propelling it to 60mph from 0 in 4.6 seconds.

The XK coupe and convertible models feature a naturally aspirated version of the AJ-V8 Gen III that delivers 385bhp and 515Nm of torque allowing the coupe to hit 60mph in 5.2 seconds. Jaguar claims that both the XK and XK-R have improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions which meet the forthcoming EU5 emissions legislation.

As expected, the new V8 unit will also find a place in the coming months in several Land Rover models.

The exterior changes for the 2010 XK and XK-R models include a new front bumper with aluminum effects, new LED rear lights and a new lower rear body valance. Inside the cabin, both models gain the pop-up gear selector from the XF.

New Car: 2010 Jaguar XF-R

Jaguar has provided a potent engine for the XF-R in the form of a 5.0 litre V8 with a whirling supercharger plugged into it plus an uprated 6 speed automatic gearbox. The engine produces 510bhp and 625Nm. In comparison the previous generation S Type R, the XF-R's spiritual predecessor, made 399bhp from its 4.2 litre supercharged engine. For this power the XF-R gives back a 0 - 60 time of 4.7 seconds. A combined fuel economy of 12.5l/100km/23mpg UK/18.8mpg U.S is stated by Jaguar.

In terms of specification, Jaguar did not skimp on features for their new top-of-the-range XF. 20 inch alloy wheels are coupled with larger ventilated disc brakes. A new body kit featuring wider side skirts and a bonnet with louvers gives the car a more purposeful stance even when standing still. There's a new front end with a shiny upper mesh grille and a black lower mesh grille. The XF-R also has a new rear spoiler and four round tailpipes. The "R" moniker placed on the four brake calipers as well as the rear end.

Interior comes with soft grain leather as standard, adjustable sports seats and a dark chequered aluminium trim on the dash. The "R" is also seen just above the glove box and at the bottom of the steering wheel. The XF-R will come with a choice of eight exterior colours including one called Salsa.